Four Seasons Hotel in Thailand Where You Can Ride Elephants

While there are many luxury hotels in Thailand, where else but the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle can you be riding elephants in the jungle one minute and the next soaking in a hand-hammered copper bathtub in your own private deluxe tent? Appealing to “active adults and teens,” this exotic location where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet is setting the stage for a memorable Asian adventure.

Four Seasons Golden Triangle has taken the stress out of planning your stay by setting up an all-inclusive package covering tent accommodations, round-trip airport transfers, meals, house wine and spirits, elephant trekking and a spa treatment. A detailed list of necessary clothing and supplies is made available to guests in preparation for their visit. The hotel will also set up a full itinerary to make sure the most is made out of your time in Thailand. Itinerary highlights may include interacting with elephants during breakfast at Nong Yao Restaurant; floating down the Mekong River; driving to Chiang Saen with stops at local markets and temples; or crossing the border to explore a bit of Burma.
Each 580-square-foot tent is located down a path made in the brush. Inside you’ll find a king size bed, copper bath sitting just off of the living area, and an adjacent outdoor rain shower. Relax in the wooden hot tub on the tent’s 400-square-foot covered deck with views of the Ruak River and the mountains of Laos in the distance. Among the tent’s many amenities there are a few things you will not find: a TV, DVD player or radio. As to not disturb the surrounding forest environment, and enhance an authentic experience, these electronics are not included.
Four different dining options at the resort offer casual, formal and interactive culinary outings. Under a thatched roof, family style meals of Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Western cuisine are served at Nong Yao Restaurant; Burma Bar is a great place to grab a cocktail after a long day in the jungle; a more private and romantic dining experience can be had in the Wine Cellar where a large collection of international and Thai wines are held; or make a reservation to dine with the locals—local elephants that is, at the Elephant Camp. Lit by torches, this open air venue will bring the gentle giants right to your table.
In one of the open air treatment rooms, amidst the sights and sounds of the jungle, receive a traditional Thai massage, body scrub, anti-aging facial or a variety of hand and foot treatments. You also have a choice to incorporate a natural and holistic body oil to awake the senses, increase circulation or stimulate the nervous system. Should you wish to stay in the comfort of your tent, services can be conducted there as well.
Besides learning how to ride an elephant, there is so much to explore around the tented camp. Go on a private guided tour of the Golden Triangle aboard a longtail boat on the Mekong River; trek through the jungle to discover local flora and fauna with an expert or on your own; with books and binoculars in hand, head out to do some bird watching; or take a trip to a local market to pick up fresh ingredients to use during a cooking lesson of traditional Thai, Laotian and Burmese dishes.
If you're looking for an exotic travel experience in Northern Thailand, while still having modern amenities at your fingertips, the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is a great choice. After getting to know the elephants around the resort, you may even want to adopt one through their monthly sponsorship program. Unfortunately, kids under the age of 12 are not permitted to stay at the resort unless part of a larger group that has booked the entire camp. Visit FourSeasons.com to learn more.

Tara Imperatore

Since graduating from Penn State University, Tara has dabbled in several different realms of the publishing world. From food writing to an opinion column to city guide editorials, her work can be seen in newspapers, luxury lifestyle magazines and various websites. As Associate for JustLuxe, she is busy sharpening her eye for all that is opulent around the world. She is also a freelance writer for ...(Read More)